Pedal Power: Nokia Offers Bicycle Chargers For New Phones

The company launched a bicycle charger kit for its new mobile phones that will be targeted toward regions where people might have limited access to vehicles and/or electricity. The company made the announcement in Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, where it also unveiled its latest C-series phones.

The bicycle charger kit consists of a charger and dynamo, or small electrical generator, as well as a holder to secure the phone to the bike. The dynamo uses the movement of the wheels to charge the handset through a standard 2mm charging jack used in most Nokia mobile phones, according to Nokia. The kit will be available online and in retail stores by the end of the year.

Power management and making a phone that is as power-efficient as possible is a key focus for Nokia, according to Alex Lambeek, a vice president at the company.

“Now, with our innovative bike charger, people get even more freedom to use their Nokia without worrying about battery life. Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing. This is a great solution to a real challenge, whether people will use it due to limited access to electricity, or to be more environmentally responsible,” Lambeek said in a statement.

Nokia also launched its first two-in-one double SIM card phones, the C1-00 and C2-00, which allow users to switch SIM cards by holding down a key. The feature allows users to take advantage of reduced call rates, share a phone and provide flexibility when traveling from one country to another, according to Lambeek.